Funky Beatrice

Little is known about the specific inspiration behind Bugs Henderson's song "Funky Beatrice" from the album Still Flyin', but its infectious groove and bluesy swagger have made it a standout track for fans. The song, featured on the 1981 release, showcases Henderson’s signature guitar riffs and a funky rhythm section, with bassist Bobby Chitwood and drummer Ron Thompson driving the beat. According to the audio liner notes included in the Grooveyard Records re-release, Henderson often let the music speak for itself, but the playful energy of "Funky Beatrice" suggests a nod to the lively, free-spirited vibe of the era. Fans on the Bugs Henderson Fans Facebook Group have speculated that the title might reference a real-life character from Henderson’s East Texas haunts, though no definitive story has surfaced. The track’s inclusion among other high-energy songs like "Baby Ruth" and "Heart Attack" on the album highlights its role as a crowd-pleaser during live performances.

Bugs Henderson, born Buddy Henderson in 1943 in Palm Springs, California, grew up in Tyler, Texas, where his love for music took root early. By age six, he was already drawn to the guitar, sneaking out as a teenager to catch live gigs at local joints, much to his father’s disapproval. Henderson started his musical journey with his first band, The Sensors, at 16, before joining Mouse and the Traps, which scored a regional hit with "Public Execution" in 1966. This earned him the nickname "Bugs," which stuck throughout his career. By the late 1960s, he was the house guitarist at Tyler’s Robin Hood Studios, backing artists like Ike & Tina Turner for modest pay but gaining invaluable experience. His move to Dallas in the 1970s to play at the infamous club The Cellar—a gritty venue known for its wild atmosphere and late-night original music sessions—honed his blues-rock style, blending influences from B.B. King to jazz and funk.

Henderson’s career was marked by a fierce dedication to his craft over fame, a choice he often reflected on in interviews. In a 1998 Dallas Observer piece, he noted that greater stardom would have distanced him from fans and family, saying, “If I was as big as you want me to be, we wouldn’t be here talking.” His blend of searing blues, boogie, and Southern rock earned him a loyal following, though he faced resistance from purist blues festivals for his genre-blending approach. Despite this, albums like Still Flyin' and Daredevils of the Red Guitar cemented his status as a Texas guitar legend. Henderson passed away in 2012, but his music lives on through re-releases and tributes from fans and musicians alike.

For more on Bugs Henderson, visit his official website at bugshenderson.com. Fans can connect on the Bugs Henderson Music Facebook page or join discussions in the Bugs Henderson Fans Facebook Group. While no official Instagram or X accounts are currently active for Henderson, the PhillyCheeze’s Rock & Blues Reviews blog offers detailed insights into his discography, and Rocktimes provides reviews for international fans. These platforms keep Henderson’s legacy alive for Zoo Freaks and beyond.